Phytochemical Characteristics of Seeds and Its Effects on the Intestinal Motility and Toxicity of Joannesia princeps

Joannesia princeps is a plant commonly used in folk medicine as laxative for menstrual discomfort and as antihelminthic and antimicrobial to reduce edema and improve tissue healing. The seeds are used in many regions of Brazil as laxative; however, studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Journal of medicinal food Vol. 19; no. 1; p. 68
Main Authors:	Araújo, Adriano Cressoni, Guiguer, Élen Landgraf, Barbalho, Sandra Maria, Bueno, Patrícia C S, Lopes, Juliana Agostinho, da Silva, Bruna Ferreira, Girotto, Letícia Cabrini, de Paula, Marina Guirro, Zeber, Paulo Vitor, de Alvares Goulart, Ricardo
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	United States 01-01-2016
Subjects:	Animals Euphorbiaceae - chemistry Euphorbiaceae - toxicity Gastrointestinal Motility - drug effects Laxatives - chemistry Laxatives - pharmacology Laxatives - toxicity Male Phytochemicals - chemistry Phytochemicals - pharmacology Phytochemicals - toxicity Plant Extracts - chemistry Plant Extracts - pharmacology Rats Rats, Wistar Seeds - chemistry Seeds - toxicity gastrointestinal motility toxicity Wistar rats Joannesia princeps
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Summary:	Joannesia princeps is a plant commonly used in folk medicine as laxative for menstrual discomfort and as antihelminthic and antimicrobial to reduce edema and improve tissue healing. The seeds are used in many regions of Brazil as laxative; however, studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of using seeds of this plant on intestinal motility of Wistar rats, evaluate the effects and acute toxicity of its management, as well as determine its phytochemical profile. The evaluation of the effect on the intestinal motility was performed according to the model described by Michelin and Salgado (2004) with modifications. For the evaluation of acute toxicity, we used the model described by Craveiro et al. (2008) and Goloni et al. (2005), and for the analysis of the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, steroids, and other components, we used the method described by Carvalho et al. (2006). The results showed that J. princeps exhibits laxative effects similar to those of Senna species such as Cassia angustifolia and the phytochemical analysis of ethanol and aqueous extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, triterpenes, and/or steroids compounds. Acute toxicity showed in the first 12 h: piloerection, contortion, decreased respiratory rate, diarrhea, and weight loss. After this period, these changes were no longer observed. It was concluded that the seeds of this plant have potential laxative activity, confirming the popular use and that the dose of 5 g/kg can be considered safe for consumption.
ISSN:	1557-7600
DOI:	10.1089/jmf.2015.0071